het-reccers

[het-reccers]

Mod Post: A Fond Farewell

After nearly a decade and thousands of wonderful recs, manifestos, discussions, and more, het-reccers is now officially and permanently closed, as is our Tumblr mirror. This archive will remain, and readers can also check out its Dreamwidth counterpart and AO3 collection. Though these are managed separately, both are open for contributions and have more great het recs. The mods would like to thank you, the community, for everything you have helped create. From the biggest fandoms to the crackiest rarepairs, you've brought us all great joy and even greater feels. We're grateful to everyone who's recced, read, and written so many wonderful fics. Fandom is at its heart about the communities that form around the stories we love, and het-reccers has always been a prime example of fandom at its best. Happy trails to all!

#!admin

[het-reccers]

4 recs, Marvel, Natasha/Bucky

I just want to preface this list by saying that I will go down with this ship like none other, and what you see here is a very narrowed-down list of the truly absurd number of Winter Widow fics I'd rec if I had the time. Fandom: Marvel Pairing: Natasha Romanoff/Bucky Barnes Title: It’s complicated Author: medeafive Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6501484 Rating/Warning(s): Mature Word Count/WIP?: 1,546 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Restrained, a little heartbreaking, and a little promising, this fic manages to contend with Natasha’s reproductive issues, Bucky’s return to the world, and their undefined but important relationship to each other.

*** Fandom: Marvel Pairing: Natasha Romanoff/Bucky Barnes Title: Turning up the Heat Author: kiss_me_cassie Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10180022 Rating/Warning(s): Explicit (mentions of M/M and M/M/F) Word Count/WIP?: 1,850 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Honestly, I just find this fic really, really hot. It’s a bunch of stuff I don’t usually go for, but the author manages to turn it all into something unique and very enjoyable. *** Fandom: Marvel Pairing: Natasha Romanoff/Bucky Barnes Title: How We Get There Author: gr8escap Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10434087 Rating/Warning(s): Teen (includes discussion of past child abuse and a past suicide attempt) Word Count/WIP?: 43,645 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Earnest and enjoyable, this AU follows the pair on a road trip along the famous U.S. Route 66, with all the fun, tropey, and unexpectedly meaningful moments that that sets up. The author does a beautiful job of worldbuilding—the trip itself feels like its own character—while never forgetting the events and experiences that made these two who they are. *** Fandom: Marvel Pairing: Natasha Romanoff/Bucky Barnes Title: remember me to steshka Author: andibeth82 Link: Rating/Warning(s): G Word Count/WIP?:13,175 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: If you read a lot of this pairing—or MCU fic more broadly—you probably know this author, and with good reason. They have a way of digging into the characters and finding incredible nuance, insight, and heart. This fic is no exception, following the pair on a quest to contend with Natasha’s past (and a bit of Bucky’s, too). Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1149156.html

#het reccers #fic rec #captain america #marvel #avengers #comics #fandom: captain america #fandom: marvel #fandom: avengers #fandom: comics

[het-reccers]

It's the Little Things (M) (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Rebecca Bunch/Greg Serrano) by sporklift

Fandom: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Pairing: Rebecca Bunch/Greg Serrano Title: It's the Little Things Author: sporklift Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/9140110 Rating/Warning(s): teen Word Count/WIP?: 24366 /No Recced on LiveJournal By: tinnny

Why This Must Be Read: I've always wanted a fix-it for Rebecca and Greg, giving them their deserved happy ending. This story does so in great Greg voice and with a wonderful slow burn. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1148630.html

#het reccers #fic rec #crazy ex girlfriend #fandom: crazy ex girlfriend

[het-reccers]

"Irregulars" by lizbee (T)

Fandom: Doctor Who Pairing: Martha Jones/Mickey Smith Title: Irregulars Author: lizbee Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/114412 Rating/Warning(s): Teen Word Count/WIP?: 1,746 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky 

Why This Must Be Read: Martha/Mickey gets a bad rap as a "pair your spares" trope, but, honestly, I kind of love them together anyway. This delightful, fast-paced fic gets at why: they're clever and competent and out to save the universe, whether or not the Doctor ever notices. And it's always better with two. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1148171.html

#het reccers #fic rec #doctor who #fandom: doctor who

[het-reccers]

Firefly, 2 recs, multiple pairings

Fandom: Firefly Pairing: Zoe Washburne/Hoban Washburne Title: Indistinguishable From Magic Author: kieyra Link: https://kieyra.livejournal.com/186086.html Rating/Warning(s): PG Word Count/WIP?: 3,046 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: A fix-it that’s slow and satisfying as it reveals its secrets. *** Fandom: Firefly, the Bible Pairing: Kaylee Frye/Simon Tam, Ruth/Malcolm Reynolds Title: Ruth on a Firefly Author: in_the_beginning Link: https://in-the-beginning.dreamwidth.org/8528.html Rating/Warning(s): G Word Count/WIP?: 3,801 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Strange but strangely compelling, this seemingly incongruous combination of stories comes together in one lovely, understated consideration of the Book of Ruth’s famous line, “where you go, I will go.” Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1148136.html

#het reccers #fic rec #firefly #the bible #fandom: firefly #fandom: the bible

[het-reccers]

"if the heavens ever did speak" by Polexia_Aphrodite (M)

Fandom: Captain America Pairing: Peggy Carter/Steve Rogers Title: if the heavens ever did speak Author: Polexia_Aphrodite Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/3865819 Rating/Warning(s): Mature Word Count/WIP?: 1,649 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: What a perfect little missing scene! Mid-CA:TFA, our heroes have an intimate little interlude, and everyone returns to battle with a smile. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1147803.html

#het reccers #fic rec #captain america #marvel #fandom: captain america #fandom: marvel

[het-reccers]

10 movie fandoms recs

Fandom: 10 Things I Hate About You Pairing: Kat Stafford/Patrick Verona Title: 10 Things I Hate About Reunions Author: ByroseA Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen. None. Word Count/WIP?: About 8,500 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness Why This Must Be Read: Bianca’s hilarious input is the icing on a delicious cake of a more mature, but not really tamed, Kat reconnecting with Patrick.

Fandom: Inception Pairing: Ariadne/Arthur Title: So Much To Say Author: sour_idealist Link: LJ Rating/Warning(s): PG. None. Word Count/WIP?: 900 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: Ariadne’s in a very sympathetic place here. I really like how the relationship develops.

Fandom: The Lake House Pairing: Kate Forster/Alex Wyler Title: New Old Love Author: fabrisse Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): General Audiences. None. Word Count/WIP?: 2,827 words. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: It’s a really lovely expansion of the film, doing a good job on Kate and Alex's voices.

Fandom: New Year’s Eve Pairing: Ingrid/Paul Title: Happy Holidays Author: kalisgirl Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): General Audiences, none. Word Count/WIP?: 2,532 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: Delightful story, where Paul takes the idea of celebrating holidays being their thing and runs with it, which becomes the frame for watching their relationship grow.

Fandom: Pitch Perfect Pairing: Beca Mitchell/Jesse Swanson Title: Crescendo Author: SiennaSky Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Mature. None. Word Count/WIP?: 15,329 words. Complete Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: I really appreciated how this story developed, with unexpected twists as Beca and Jesse grow up alone and together. I haven't seen a fic that delves into how Beca's lack of stability growing up had affected her so much. But at the same time, there are knowing, Hollywood moments to enjoy.

Fandom: Push Pairing: Cassie Holmes/Nick Gant Title: roll the dice Author: vinylroad Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen. Canon-typical violence. Word Count/WIP?: 2,194 words. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: This story does a great job on Cassie and her developing partnership with Nick over the years and through three separations.

Fandom: Snow White and the Huntsman Pairing: Snow White/The Huntsman Title: Snow White and the Captain Author: fiftyzillion Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen. None. Word Count/WIP?: 8,182. No, but there is a shorter second part. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: To enjoy watching Snow both settle and grow into her role and the slow-burn development of the love story.

Fandom: Snow White and the Huntsman/The Huntsman: Winter’s War Pairing: Snow White/The Huntsman Title: From Darkness Into Light Author: Jedi Buttercup Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen. None. Word Count/WIP?: 4,200 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: If, like me, you came out of Snow White and the Huntsman shipping Snow/Eric (and, let’s be honest, going to see Winter’s War thinking it was a prequel), this is the fix-it fic you crave. I love the treatment of Eric and Snow's feelings and the development of the magic here.

Fandom: True Grit (2010) Pairing: Mattie Ross/LaBoeuf Title: The Good Old Way Author: ishie Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): The writer doesn’t give one, so say teen. No warnings. Word Count/WIP?: 4,040. Complete Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: Mattie may have misinformed us about one thing in her account of the hunt for Tom Chaney...

It’s so great to spend more time with Mattie of the distinctive voice, and the writer has fun with how the plain-speaker is a transparently unreliable narrator.

Fandom: While You Were Sleeping Pairing: Lucy Moderatz/Jack Callaghan Title: Bonne Nouvelle Author: in48frames Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): General Audience. None. Word Count/WIP?: 1,076 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness

Why This Must Be Read: It’s a charming, grounded story about Lucy and Jack in Paris.

Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1147614.html

#het reccers #fic rec #10 things i hate about you #inception #the lake house #new year's eve #pitch perfect #push #snow white and the huntsman #true grit #while you were sleeping #fandom: 10 things i hate about you #fandom: the lake house #fandom: inception #fandom: new year's even #fandom: pitch perfect #fandom: push #fandom: Snow White and The Huntsman #fandom: true grit #fandom: while you were sleeping

[het-reccers]

3 recs, various romcom-y fandoms

Fandom: What’s Your Number? Pairing: Ally Darling/Colin Shea Title: Disgusting Donald and the Lady Raptors Author: lanyon Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8916067 Rating/Warning(s): PG-13 Word Count/WIP?: 1,269 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: An unmitigated delight, this fic follows up the movie with some sweet shippy goodness, hanging out with Daisy’s awesome kid, and a deep self-awareness for, uh, how famous everyone Ally dated has become since the movie came out in 2011. *** Fandom: Selfie Pairing: Eliza Dooley/Henry Higgs Title: Without a Hitch Author: cloudedcreation Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/9026458 Rating/Warning(s): Teen Word Count/WIP?: 1,365 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Do you miss this show? I miss this show. This fic makes me miss this show less, but now I miss Charmonique more. *** Fandom: New Girl Pairing: Jess Day/Nick Miller Title: Five times Jess tries to seduce Nick Author: wagamiller Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/843921 Rating/Warning(s): Teen Word Count/WIP?: 5,474 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: I just reread this fic to be doubly sure, but it looks like it is in fact fic and not a series of deleted scenes. Pity, ‘cause it’s just what it says on the tin and the very definition of the “haha, aww, you guys” vibe that this show excels at. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1147232.html

#het reccers #fic rec #What's your number? #selfie #new girl #fandom: what's your number? #fandom: selfie #fandom: new girl

[het-reccers]

"Outtakes" by YankingAwry (M)

Fandom: Spiderman: Homecoming Pairing: Michelle Jones/Peter Parker Title: Outtakes Author: YankingAwry Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13139571 Rating/Warning(s): Mature Word Count/WIP?: 3,078 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars-inthe-sky Why This Must Be Read: Besides the fact that "a cursed Tony Stark Funko Pop" is listed as a character? This is a sweet and grounded and genuinely funny story about two people who really like each other trying to figure out sex, in spite of a lot of hijinks and the occasional superpowered interlude...and the aforementioned Funko. (It's part of a longer series that's also terrific, but this installment is just in a league of its own.) Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1146928.html

#het reccers #fic rec #marvel #spiderman #fandom: marvel #fandom: spiderman

[het-reccers]

Three British TV show recs (The Hour, Humans, The Office)

Fandom: The Hour Pairing: Lix Storm/Randall Brown Title: raise a tent of shelter now Author: voodoochild Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): General Audiences, none. Word Count/WIP?: 599 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness Why This Must Be Read: Brilliant writing. I loved the reaction to all that had happened (this is set after the second series), namely choosing to grab hold of the good things, which is perfect for the new year's eve setting. Fandom: Humans Pairing: Mattie Hawkins/Leo Elster Title: Away Author: ottermo Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen, none. Word Count/WIP?: 3,231 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness Why This Must Be Read: A satisfying, plausible fic set a few years after the events of the first season (it was written before s2) with brilliant characterisation. This is the best Humans fic I’ve ever read. Fandom: The Office (UK) Pairing: Tim Canterbury/Dawn Tinley Title: Never Stop Author: thinkatory Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): General audience, none. Word Count/WIP?: 1,000 words. Complete. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness Why This Must Be Read: Before Sherlock, before Jim and Pam, before quite a lot of things, actually, there were Tim and Dawn. This is a lovely fic about a well-drawn Tim and Dawn's happy ending. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1146747.html

#het reccers #fic rec #the hour #humans #the office (uk) #fandom: the hour #fandom: humans #fandom: the office (uk)

[het-reccers]

"Freedom" by LJC (Mature)

Fandom: Daredevil Pairing: Elektra Natchios/Matt Murdock Title: Freedom Author: LJC Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13039188 Rating/Warning(s): Mature Word Count/WIP?: 6,623 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Elektra is a difficult character to inhabit, but the author takes on the challenge with grace and not a little darkness in this exploration of Elektra's past, future, and the choices she makes—especially those related to a certain lawyer she's not quite going to quit. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1146445.html

#het reccers #fic rec #daredevil #fandom: daredevil

[het-reccers]

iZombie, 2 recs, Liv/Major

Fandom: iZombie Pairing: Liv Moore/Major Lilywhite Title: Whatever You Throw at Me Author: Mosca Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5440823 Rating/Warning(s): Teen Word Count/WIP?: 2,568 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: In the earlier seasons, the show briefly touched on how weird (but also how unexpectedly fun) it might be to date someone whose personality and interests change in such drastic but quasi-predictable ways as Liv's do. This sweet series of missing moments covers a few less murder-tastic brains she might've sampled over the years, as well as how the people in her life (and a human Major in particular) help her steer around the curves. *** Fandom: iZombie Pairing: Liv Moore/Major Lilywhite Title: Mind Over Matters Author: tvconnoisseur Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8884951 Rating/Warning(s): G Word Count/WIP?: 1,670 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: The longer the show's gone on, the harder it is to see the "real" Liv through the many, many characters she takes on—and this fic (though it tends toward gen, it's definitely got its shippy moments) takes a careful, balanced approach to what that means and does to a person, as well as to those around them. Well worth exploring, it turns out. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1146149.html

#het reccers #fic rec #izombie #fandom: izombie

[het-reccers]

Jane Austen, 2 short recs

Fandom: Pride and Prejudice Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy Title: The Heart Asks Pleasure First Author: tree Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4271 Rating/Warning(s): G Word Count/WIP?: 402 words, complete Recced on LiveJournal By: blithers Why This Must Be Read: This is a small, intimate moment, captured gorgeously, that really highlights how a restrained society means even the most innocent of touches gain overwhelming impact. Fandom: Northanger Abbey Pairing: Catherine Morland/Henry Tilney Title: This hole in my heart is in the shape of you Author: scintilla10 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/3215252 Rating/Warning(s): G Word Count/WIP?: 269 words, complete Recced on LiveJournal By: blithers Why This Must Be Read: Because of course Catherine and Henry are soulmates, and it's both adorable and romantic - I like to imagine how the rest of the novel would have played out in this AU world. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1146094.html

#het reccers #fic rec #pride and prejudice #fandom: pride and prejudice #northanger abbey #fandom: northanger abbey

[het-reccers]

2 recs, Thrilling Adventure Hour, various pairings

Fandom: Thrilling Adventure Hour (Beyond Belief) Pairing: Sadie Doyle/Frank Doyle Title: Tick of Time Author: fangirl_squee Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2716592 Rating/Warning(s): PG Word Count/WIP?: 3,156 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky

Why This Must Be Read: I love these characters, together and apart, but I especially love how much they love each other, and this fic does a great, lighthearted job of highlighting just how important that can be.

***

Fandom: Thrilling Adventure Hour (Sparks Nevada: Marshal on Mars) Pairing: Ginny West/Sparks Nevada Title: retired is being twice tired Author: possibilityleft Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/3565682 Rating/Warning(s): G Word Count/WIP?: 1,826 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky

Why This Must Be Read: The author makes incredible sense of a seemingly random narrative direction, and the results are surprisingly grounded and meaningful—not just for Sparks and Ginny but for the whole crew to boot.

Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1145734.html

#het reccers #fic rec #thrilling adventure hour #fandom: thrilling adventure hour

[het-reccers]

"BREAKING NEWS" by sevenfoxes (M)

Fandom: The Martian Pairing: Beth Johansson/Chris Beck Title: BREAKING NEWS Author: sevenfoxes Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13054146 Rating/Warning(s): Mature Word Count/WIP?: 11,874 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Post-canon, Johansson has a lot of personal stuff to work through—and it's not immediately clear how her space squeeze fits into things. I love how the author explores her genuine uncertainly, grounding it in character history and personality traits beyond what we get in the movie, and lays it over a background of weirdly public personae and the strangeness of coming back to Earth, literally and otherwise. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1145384.html

#het reccers #fic rec #the martian #fandom: the martian

[het-reccers]

2 recs, Star Wars, various pairings

Fandom: Star Wars Pairing: Jyn Erso/Cassian Andor Title: We've Been Here Before Author: angel_deux Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/9338369 Rating/Warning(s): Teen Word Count/WIP?: 5,636 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: The "Edge of Tomorrow" AU that both buoys anyone who watched "Rogue One" and had feels and that reminds you of the price of fixing things. Read, read, read. *** Fandom: Star Wars Pairing: Leia Organa/Han Solo Title: Any Scar You Give Me (I Will Endure It) Author: igrockspock Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10801305 Rating/Warning(s): Teen Word Count/WIP?: 15,036 (complete) Recced on LiveJournal By: stars_inthe_sky Why This Must Be Read: Written by one of those authors where everything they do is aces, this story follows our space princess from not long after RotJ through not long after TFA. It's wrenching in places, yes, but it's also a clear-eyed exploration of everything her little family experiences in the intervening years, for better or worse, with sharp characterizations that you won't soon forget. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1145184.html

#het reccers #fic rec #star wars #fandom: star wars

[het-reccers]

Two Disney recs (Enchanted, Nancy/Edward; POTC: OST, Syrena/Philip_

Fandom: Enchanted Pairing: Nancy Tremaine/Edward Title: Five Reasons to By Happy in Andalasia (and One Thing to Miss from Reality) Author: Dira Sudis Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen. None. Word Count/WIP?: 1,251. N. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness Why This Must Be Read: It’s clever and charming about how a modern New Yorker becomes an Andalasian queen. Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Pairing: Syrena/Philip Title: there is gold across the river Author: evewithanapple Link: AO3 Rating/Warning(s): Teen. None. Word Count/WIP?: 1,348 words. N. Recced on LiveJournal By: profshallowness Why This Must Be Read: Tells their story in the film and what happened next, from the mermaid POV, bringing in a more fairy-tale-ish feel, mixing grief and hope. Originally Posted At: https://het-reccers.livejournal.com/1144868.html

#het reccers #fic rec #enchanted #pirates of the caribbean #fandom: enchanted #fandom: pirates of the caribbean